Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A series of attacks, including fatal shootings, in India's financial hub of Mumbai appear to be a terrorist attack, according to media reports Wednesday.

At least 25 were reported dead in several incidents, the Wall Street Journal reported in its online edition, citing local television stations. Gunmen were said to be holed up in both the Taj hotel and the Oberoi and incidents were also reported at a cinema, a hospital, and at the main train station in the area, according to the Journal.

Update:

The online edition of the Times of India reported that at least 80 people have been killed and 250 injured in the attacks, which occurred in seven locations including Mumbai's crowded CST railway station.

CNN reported that gunmen are reportedly holed up in the city's swanky Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel, and are locked into gun battles with police. There have been five "shootouts and two grenade attacks," according to CNN.

In addition, an explosion was reported near the city's Taj Mahal hotel, and at the Trident hotel, while gunshots were reported at the Leopold Restaurant, which is popular with foreign visitors, according to reports.